Cleaning device

ABSTRACT

This is a device for cleaning by the use of water or other liquids in which the cleaning is accomplished by a jet of liquid properly contained to avoid splashing and to concentrate the cleaning effect, in which a rubber cup is used to confine and assist in cleaning.

[ 1 June 27, 1972 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS CLEANINGDEVICE [72] lnventorz Frank Schuster, 16682 Juarez Drive,

Maushund............

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R9 A .m M H l. 2 2

Primary ExaminerRobert L. Bleutge Attorney-Herbert C. Schulze [2]] Appl.No.: 851,698

[57] ABSTRACT This is a device for cleaning by the use of water or otherliquids in which the cleaning is accomplished by a jet of liquid ycontained to avoid splashing and to concentrate the in which a rubbercup is used to confine and as 09m n w 61 o m.m wmm es .lli Pea 2 5 7 N683 b 8 9 0M3 3 W8 2 M l v l 4 3 l 5 B [58] Fieldoisearchnm.

2 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures CLEANING DEVICE I BACKGROUND OF THE IN VENTION l Field of the Invention This invention is in the general field ofcleaning devices. and particularly pertains to a device adaptable toclean limited areas by jet action and so arranged that overspray and thelike are contained within a very limited, confined area.

2. Description of the Prior Art I am acquainted with a great deal of artin this field. The

field of cleaning, and particularly cleaning by means of a jet stream,is an extremely crowded field. The great requirements for appropriatecleaning within limited and concentrated areas, and particularly whereliquid 'pressuresand/or corrosive materials may be employed, has led tomany developments designed to eliminate the many problems inherent.

Some of the US Pats, for example, which might be deemed to be in thegeneral field are as follows: Nos. 1,804,874; 2,736,906; 2,086,149; and937,458.

I have examined the foregoing patents and other devices related to thisfield of endeavor and have come to the conclusion that there was stillthe need of a greatly improved device which could be made quiteeconomically, controlled easily,

and used widely. Such a device is the result of my investigation,development and inventive work, and is represented by this patentapplication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention employs any type of liquid beingdelivered'by appropriate pressure means. In its most common application,the .device might use ordinary water pressure. In more sophisticatedapplications, the same device is suitable for the use of caustic or acidmaterials, material containing abrasivesor detergents, steam jets, andthe like.

I have combined a unique and new coupling arrangement with certain knowndevices available on the market .and frequently available to the persondesiring to perform specialized cleaning activities, the end result ofwhich has been a unique combination with such items to provide aneconomical, easily used and safe jet stream cleaner.

I have done this by taking a proper flexible cup or thelike to use as ashielding device and, also, to use for applying extra pressure, ifdesired in limited areas, together with an ap-.

propriate jet nozzle arrangement and an intermediate coupling combiningsuitable means to properly intercommunicate with the interior of aflexible cup device for proper application of pressure.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and unique jetcleaning device utilizing a flexible and suction-like device forconcentrating the action of the jet stream together with anintercommunicating means for inserting the jet stream.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device as abovementioned in which, by a unique combination, certain commonly existingarticles may serve a dual purpose.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device as abovedescribed suitable to carry many different jet streams.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this device will beclear to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed descriptionof a preferred embodiment which follows, in conjunction with theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective of a preferredembodiment of a device utilizing the principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section on FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the various parts of this invention; and

FIG. 4 is a partially broken away perspective showing the device in use.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT This invention is shown to consistof four (4) basic parts:

There is a shield 10 which also acts as a suction device when desiredand as will be fully explained below; an appropriate nozzle arrangement20 is provided for injecting the jet spray; a source of jet spray 30 isadaptable to connect with the nozzle arrangement; and a connectionadapter 40 is provided for properly joining the nozzle and the shield ina proper operative and cooperative arrangement. The shield 10 ispreferably a rubber suction cup such as the commonly known and usuallyavailable plumbers helper." Customarily, such a device will consist of asuction cup 12 or the like with specialized threads 16 in a boss 14 onthe top, such threads being of a normally standard pitch designed tointercommunicate with and cooperate with a wooden handle or the like foroperating the plumbers helper. Normally at the base of the threads therewill be a rubber web which is a part of the suction cup proper.

There are commonly used spray nozzles such as noule 20 usually with a'pistol grip-like arrangement for opening, closing and adjusting the flowof liquid. Such nozzles are available in almost every location andnormally have a specialized thread 46 at their open end such as a gardenhose-type thread.

If it was desired directly to connect the nozzle and the suction cup ofthe type described, it would be found to be relatively impracticalbecause of the web of rubber and also because the two would not make afirm seal, one with the other.

In the preferred embodiment shown, a hose 30 is indicated as beingconnected to the inlet of the nozzle arrangement, it being understoodthat the hose will be connected to a suitable source for the jet streamsuch as a steam generator, water under pressure, suitable acid, causticor other material, and there can be additional inlets, not shown, foradding abrasives and similar matters as is well known in the art.

The construction of the shield 10 is seen to be in the shape of a rubbercup 12 having a boss 14 for connection. The construction of the nozzleis well known and, for example, will consist of the various elements asindicated, including valving arrangement and orifice control foradjusting the liquid flow.

The important connecting adapter which allows the various other portionsto work cooperatively with one another to achieve the desired resultcomprises a main body portion 42 having threads 44 near one end, whichthreads are suitable to adapt to and fit the threads 16 in the suctioncup shield 10.

Depending outwardly from this threaded end is a thin-wall tubularextension 48 having a sharpened edge 49 for cutting the rubber under thethreaded boss and providing a sealed passageway for the jet stream toenter the shield.

The other end of the adapter is enlarged as indicated at 50 and isprovided with internal threads 46 suitable to engage the externalthreads on a standard water hose nozzle or the like.

A passageway extends through the entire length of the unit, as indicatedin the drawings, so that the jet stream will flow from its connectinghose through and be discharged at the cutter end.

In use, the entire item is assembled as shown into one cooperative piecebeing connected together with the unique cooperative attachmentarrangement 40 and by properly activating the nozzle valve, the jetstream is forced into the cup 10. The cup may be held tightly against asurface, particularly if there is a drainhole through the surface, andthe liquid may be forced through the drainhole for the purpose ofcleaning the same or otherwise.

Likewise, the unit may be tilted slightly so that most of the jet streamis confined but that there is allowed an area about the perimeter of theshielding cup to allow the excess liquid to be removed. The positioningand use in individual circumstances will vary depending upon the needsof the particular application and the techniques of the operator. Itwill be seen that grease or the like 60 on concrete floors 62 and thelike can be subjected to concentrated action while the rest of the 7area may be relatively protected.

By properly pressing downward or upward against the cup alternately,additional pressure or suction may be formed on the area being cleanedfor additional actions.

While the embodiment of this invention shown and described is fullycapable of achieving the objects and advantages, modifications may occurto those skilled in the art without departing from the inventiveconcepts disclosed. The exact embodiment shown is for illustrativepurposes not for limitation.

lclaim:

l. A jet cleaning device comprising a source of cleaning material;regulatable nozzle means for adjusting the flow of cleaning materialsattached to, and regulating the flow from, said source of cleaningmaterial; suction cup means to confine and shield said cleaning materialin use, attached to said nozzle by a removable connecting adapter havinga passage through its length for passing cleaning materials from saidnozzle to said suction cup means, and in which said connecting means isprovided with threads on one end cooperable with threads on said suctioncup means to attach the two, with a cutting device depending from theend connecting to said shield means capable of cutting through thematerial of which said suction cup is formed and making a seal thereinso as to form a sealed passage into said suction cup, and in which saidconnecting device is provided at its other end with threads suitable toconnect to said noxxle means.

2. A device for cleaning comprising a source of cleaning fluid; nozzlemeans to control said cleaning fluid, including an orifice forincreasing the speed of travel and pressure of such materials; connectormeans attached at one end thereof to said nozzle at the end opposite theend of connection of said fluid cleaning source, said connector havingan elongated. hollow body terminating on the exterior of its other endwith threads suitable to engage the threads of a flexible shieldingdevice, and having depending therefrom at its interior a cutting devicesuitable to cut through flexible materials; and a cup-like suctiondevice threadedly connected to the said external threads in such mannerthat the interior of said connection device intercommunicates with theinterior of said shielding arrangement.

1. A jet cleaning device comprising a source of cleaning material;regulatable nozzle means for adjusting the flow of cleaning materialsattached to, and regulating the flow from, said source of cleaningmaterial; suction cup means to confine and shield said cleaning materialin use, attached to said nozzle by a removable connecting adapter havinga passage through its length for passing cleaning materials from saidnozzle to said suction cup means, and in which said connecting means isprovided with threads on one end cooperable with threads on said suctioncup means to attach the two, with a cutting device depending from theend connecting to said shield means capable of cutting through thematerial of which said suction cup is formed and making a seal thereinso as to form a sealed passage into said suction cup, and in which saidconnecting device is provided at its other end with threads suitable toconnect to said noxxle means.
 2. A device for cleaning comprising asource of cleaning fluid; nozzle means to control said cleaning fluid,including an orifice for increasing the speed of travel and pressure ofsuch materials; connector means attached at one end thereof to saidnozzle at the end opposite the end of connection of said fluid cleaningsource, said connector having an elongated, hollow body terminating onthe exterior of its other end with threads suitable to engage thethreads of a flexible shielding device, and having depending therefromat its interior a cutting device suitable to cut through flexiblematerials; and a cup-like suction device threadedly connected to thesaid external threads in such manner that the interior of saidconnection device intercommunicates with the interior of said shieldingarrangement.